As of today, the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), recognized as the official voice of the students the university last month, could have some new leaders to make sure it's running smoothly by the fall.

This past week, Galen Foulke announced the formation of a transition group that will be loosely based on the Cabinet of Student Leaders, which is composed of 20 students selected by Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey. Foulke said he plans to announce the members of this group today.

What's ironic about the group's formation is the fact that it's calling upon leaders selected by the university to aid determining a student group's composition.

Although it is commendable that Foulke has not yet abandoned his plans to implement UPUA, his decisions regarding the composition of this group are worthy of harsh criticism.

Such decisions indicate that he does not have the best interests of the student body in mind.

If most of the people in the new group are on the cabinet and are selected by the university, student government will not feature a variety of viewpoints.

And once the students in the transition group get their foot in the metaphorical door of UPUA, what's to keep them from establishing a set of procedures for the group that only helps their chances of being elected to UPUA posts in October?

This seems to be another example of the university sticking its hands in student affairs. Foulke said he is supposed to meet with Felicia McGinty, associate vice president for Student Engagement, to discuss possible ways to establish UPUA effectively next fall.

Although it's great that he is looking to others for input, the university again has a heavy hand in something that should be run by students.

The transition group, which the administration will essentially be selecting by hand, would be responsible for overseeing the elections next October, getting office space and funding from the University Park Allocation Committee, Foulke said.

Just when we didn't think the students could lose anymore power, Foulke hands over what may be the last shred of hope to officials.

Student advocacy, anyone?